THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
130 
them unexpectedly. Few of our men escaped this shocking 
treachery, which was of a piece with the jealous and barbarous 
policy usually practised by the Dutch towards strangers who 
approached their colonies. The Malays, who were the instru- 
ments of their cruelty on this occasion, were afterwards in 
dread of its being revenged upon them when our troops came 
before Col umbo. Indeed it was a fortunate thing for them 
that the town was taken by capitulation, as our men were 
very much exasperated against them both on this account, and 
their repeated attempts to surprise our camp before Trincomalee 
and Columbo. 
At Barbareen there is a principal manufactory for making 
cordage and cables from the cocoa-tree. Large quantities are 
sent from hence to Columbo and Point de Gallc, to supply 
the vessels which trade to these ports. 
A few miles farther lies Bcntot, only remarkable for pro- 
ducing the best oysters on the island. They are of a different 
species from the pearl oysters of Manaar. 
Point de Galle, which is considered in point of importance 
as the third town on the island, lies about sixty miles due 
south of Columbo, in 6° north latitude. The fort is pretty 
strong, and has several works attached to it. The garrison 
generally consists of two or three companies of Europeans, 
half a company of artillery, and a battalion of native troops. 
It is commanded by the next senior field officer after the Go- 
vernors of Columbo and Trincomalee. 
The harbour is spacious, particularly the outer road. The 
